Medical Questions » Anaesthetics Questions » Question No. 40
| Question: | I have to have an operation, but I' m scared about the anaesthetic. Can you please tell me what will happen to me? |
| Answer: | About an hour before the operation, you are usually given an injection to relax you in preparation for the anaesthetic, and to dry up your saliva, so that it does not cause trouble while you are asleep.
You are then taken on a trolley or in a wheelchair to the theatre suite where you meet the anaesthetist, but your memory of the meeting will be brief, as s/he will be busy putting you to sleep as soon as possible.
You will breathe oxygen through a mask, while the anaesthetist places a needle in a vein in your arm or hand. Once all is ready, medication will be injected through the needle to make you drop off to sleep, and relax your muscles. This is not at all frightening, and is just like going to sleep naturally.
You are very carefully watched all the time you are asleep, as the anaesthetist is regularly checking your pulse, blood pressure, breathing and heart.
Your first memory after the operation will be of the recovery room. This is where you stay under the care of specially trained nurses, and the anaesthetist, until you are fully awake. You are then wheeled back to your ward.
Anaesthetists are highly trained doctors, who undergo many years of intensive training, and must pass difficult exams, before starting their practice. Modern anaesthetics are very effective, and complications are extremely rare. |
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